How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Treat Fungal Nail Infection
Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection which can affect one or more toenails or fingernails, causing thick, brittle and disfigured nails. Available prescription treatments pose the risk of side effects, making home remedies — such as topical tea tree oil — popular alternatives. Derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, tea tree oil has antifungal properties, yet there is a lack of evidence this essential oil is an effective nail fungus treatment. Ideal treatment protocol is also not known, so common application steps mirror those used in the research studies.
Where Does Nail Fungus Come From
Hands with healthy nails.
But wait, lets back up a bit. How do toenail and fingernail fungal infections even start? How do we go from having nicely-shaped and healthy-looking nails on our toes and hands, to sporting discolored, cracked, distorted, nail-shaped fungus factories? The obvious, go-to places to contract fungus of the nail are gymnasiums, locker-rooms, swimming-pools, saunas and steam-rooms, showers and bathrooms, and the like.
In short warm, wet, stuffy environments are hotbeds for fungal infections, and it is certainly possible to get it from any of those places. You dont have to do anything special, either. Simply walking around with bare feet can already make you a prime candidate for various fungal infections. This kind of infection can even be brought on by getting your feet soaked, while outside.
If youre wearing wet socks, or are sweating in your shoes, it could also be a very welcoming ground for fungal infections. Remember there are times when our skin is a very sensitive and susceptible organ. When fungus decides to move in, it can spread very quickly if left unchecked and untreated.
Featured #EssentialOil: #TeaTree oil is a powerful, natural treatment for acne, dandruff, and fungus issues.
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What does a fungal infection look and feel like? Well, the visual and tactile symptoms of fungus of the fingernails and toenails are many and varied. They include, but are not limited to:
Yes Tea Tree Oil Has Antifungal Properties
Tea tree oil is an essential oil made from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree. This oil is also known as melaleuca oil.
Tea tree oil is famous for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties which is why itâs used in many home remedies.
The main antimicrobial component of tea tree oil is terpinen-4-ol. The most commercially available tea tree oil is 35% terpinen-4-ol.
This is why tea tree oil is thought to be beneficial at killing the fungus that causes toenail fungus. But, is this oil strong enough to squelch stubborn nail fungus or athleteâs foot?
Letâs consult some research.
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Is Tea Tree Oil The Best Treatment For Toenail Fungus
With so many antifungal treatments, it can be hard to determine which one works the best. If youre looking for something natural and effective, tea tree oil is a proven option. The fact that its trusted by so many people speaks for itself.
Plus, tea tree oil is easy to use and apply daily. It is also less expensive than many popular antifungal treatments. Finally, you can use it for other skin irritation issues, such as cold sores, acne, and skin tags. The antifungal properties oil are strong enough to get rid of toenail fungus fast. Thats why many over-the-counter products include tea tree oil as a primary ingredient.
Looking for a product that utilizes the healing powers of tea tree? If so, we recommend that you use the Purely Northwest Toenail Fungus System. It is three treatments in one, and its getting excellent results for even the most stubborn cases.
If youve never used tea tree oil as a treatment before, use the tips above to know what you should be looking for. Once you have the right oil and know how to apply it, you can fight back against toenail fungus the natural way.
How To Apply Tea Tree Oil On Nails
Before using them, make sure the oil is thoroughly diluted.
It is essential to repeat the application of tea tree oil to nail at least twice a day. Repeat the filing procedure once or twice a week for the best results.
Sometimes even following the steps mentioned above on a routine basis will not guarantee the complete removal of infections.
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As A Quick Remedy To Soothe Sore
Aside from its antifungal properties, tea tree oil also contain antiseptic properties capable of healing sores.
Heres how to use tea tree oil to soothe sore
Pro Tips: Please avoid dropping this oil in sensitive areas like your mouth or eyes.
Tea Tree Oil With Coconut Oil
Both coconut oil and tea tree oil contain an antifungal property that can help to fight nail fungus effectively.
Ingredients:
- Tea tree oil 1 drop
Directions:
- Firstly, you mix coconut oil with tea tree oil together.
- Then, you apply the oil onto your nail fungus.
- Finally, you leave it on for overnight.
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Whatever Treatment You Choose Take These Precautions To Prevent Recurrences:
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Practice good hygiene to ensure that you prevent toenail fungus.
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Keep your nails short, clip toenails straight across and keep them shorter than the tips of your toes.
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Wear clean shoes and socks and change often is feet are prone to sweating.
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Wear ventilating socks to evade moisture buildup on feet.
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Wear shoes in shared spaces such as gyms, locker rooms, and spas.
Talk to your doctor if your fungal infection does not improve or if it worsens despite treatment, and see your doctor right away if your feet or toes have any redness, warmth, open sores or bleeding.
What Else Can I Do To Prevent Toenail Fungus
Tea tree oil is a good treatment for existing nail fungus. But, you should think about how to prevent a fungal infection in the future. It may not always be possible, but there are precautions you can take.
Keep these preventative measures in mind to help protect yourself:
- Keep your toenails short and clean. This will help to prevent moisture and debris from getting stuck under the nail. It will also prevent the buildup of dirt and other types of bacteria that may cause infection.
- Wear ventilated antifungal socks, and let your feet air out. If you are prone to toenail fungus, choosing socks made of synthetic material is best. They wont allow moisture to build up inside, like cotton and wool might.
- Always wear shoes in public places. Its easy to pick up a fungal infection, so keeping your feet protected is important. Its especially important in places like the gym, or when youre walking around a public pool, etc.
- Practice good hygiene. Again, its easy to often ignore our feet until we see or feel a problem. Keeping your feet clean and dry is a simple way to protect yourself from infection every day.
Also Check: What Cures Nail Fungus Fast
Tea Tree Oil And Camphor Oil
The combination of tea tree oil and camphor oil is very effective in treating moderate to severe nail fungus infections. This blend shows a strong antifungal effect on the infection which helps to cure it quickly.
- Mix 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, 3 drops of tea tree oil, and 2 drops of camphor oil.
- Pour into bottle, close lid, shake vigorously until the ingredients incorporate well.
- Apply the solution directly on infected finger or toe nail.
- Repeat the application 4 times in a day. Make sure to shake the bottle before use.
Use To Treat Athletes Foot
Research has shown that they are 1.5 million people suffering from athlete foot per year in Nigeria.
Athletes foot is a fungal infection that is spread quickly and begins predominantly between toes.
Heres how to use tea tree oil to treat athletes foot
Pro Tips: If youre suffering from any skin inflammation after applying the oil, please discontinue to prevent further damage.
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Tea Tree Oil Is It Effective For Nail Fungus
Yes, tea tree oil is very effective for nail fungus. If you apply the oil to the affected nail twice a day, you should see a definite improvement within a couple of months. Any crusting or discoloration should start to disappear, and the nail should become much stronger and brighter in appearance. Be patient and consistent with your tea tree oil treatment for fungus dont stop until the nail is fully healed.
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Why Do We Use Tea Tree Oil For Nail Fungus
Tea tree oil has extensive applications for beauty and health. It is an inexpensive essential oil that has antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal properties. The antibiotic properties of the oil fight against ailments such as burns, skin infections and skin disorders such as eczema.
The antifungal properties of the oil cure fungal infections on the nails and improve the health and appearance of the nails.
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How Do I Choose The Best Over
Usually, the best over-the-counter nail fungus treatments contain antifungal ingredients and come in nail lacquer form. You may also get results from over-the-counter remedies that contain herbal treatments, such as tea tree oil. Some people also report that topical ointments that contain camphor may help. Unfortunately, however, many over-the-counter nail fungus treatments fail to get rid of nail fungus completely, so a person may get better results from prescription medication.
Among the best over-the-counter nail fungus treatments are antifungal nail lacquers that can be painted directly on the affected nail. Usually, you use this type of treatment by painting it on the affected nail every day until a new nail grows in that is free of the fungus. Most over-the-counter nail fungus treatments of this type also include instructions for painting a little of the lacquer on the skin immediately surrounding the affected nails. This may help prevent the spread of the fungus.
Nicoleâs thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focusesprimarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending timewith her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Using Oregano And Tea Tree Oils
You can use the two essential oils in the following ways:
- FOOT SOAK
Prepare a tub of warm water. It should be warm enough for you but not warm enough to burn your feet. Then add some drops of olive oil and let the aroma spread.
Slowly add a few drops of tea tree oil and mix the solution. Then soak your feet for 10-15 minutes at least twice a day.
Doing this will improve your toenail condition and help you fight fungi faster. Reports suggest that following this remedy will result in the destruction of the toenail fungus in one or two months.
- PASTE
You may mix Epsom Salt with a few drops of these oils. Mix it thoroughly to obtain a thick scrub-like paste.
Rub it on your toenails softly and see the dead skin coming off. You can repeat this twice a day instead of a foot soak if youre in a hurry.
- COATING
Mix two drops of tea tree oil with oregano oil. You may also add olive oil or coconut oil as carrier oils to dilute the essential oils.
Once the oil solution is ready, coat your nails and the surrounding skin thrice. Let it set on your nails and skin.
Rinse it in 15-20 minutes and repeat it twice a day for at least a month regularly.
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But Should Tea Tree Oil Be Used On Fungal Nails
Tea Tree Oil has 15 components that are potential skin irritants. These irritants increase in strength with exposure to air and light. This means the risk of allergic reactions increases when the bottle is being constantly opened for daily application.
The essential oil needs to be kept in a tightly sealed dark bottle and kept away from heat and light. Bottles should also be disposed of after 12 months from opening.
A study by found that dermatitis and allergic responses occurred when using concentrations of 10%, 25% and 50%. The results strongly discouraged the use of Tea Tree Oil in preparations stronger than 5%. This is particularly concerning when data shows that preparations under 10% are ineffective.
It should also be noted that studies showing anti fungal properties of Tea Tree Oil have almost always focused on the fungal infection, Candida albicans. This is despite the fact that the most common source of fungal skin and nail infection is Trichophyton dermatophytes.
Although there is a lot of data supporting the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties there is still a lack of clinical evidence to show its efficacy against bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
In summary Tea Tree Oil should not be used for the long term use of fungal infections. This is because preparation under 10% are deemed ineffective and preparations over 10% have caused dermatitis and allergic responses.
How Long Will It Take To Recover
You will have to use tea tree oil on your toenail fungus regularly before you see any visible results. The total duration of the tea tree oil treatment depends on the severity of the infection. It can take anywhere between weeks to months for your nails to completely heal. So, you need to be patient and keep applying the oil regularly.
Often, after the nail has recovered, you may regrow a healthy nail that is free of any signs of fungal infection. However, experts recommend continuing the use of tea tree oil even after healing to ensure the fungus does not come back.
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Other Uses And Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil
If you think that this fantastic tea tree oil is only made for the treatment of toenail fungus then you need a fact check.
To make our research even more wonderful were adding this section. Once you have bought a bottle of tea tree oil, you must try to check if you can use the same tea tree oil for other reasons or not.
It treats eczema
Many people compliant that the toenail fungus infection has left their toenail extremely dry. To treat the dryness of your toenail fungus, you can have the tea tree oil.
It is not only beneficial for the dryness of the toenail fungus, but also for the skin.
In winters when your skin gets extremely dry, you can apply the tea tree oil mixed with coconut or other carrier oils on your skin to avoid the severe eczema.
Itchiness
Itchy skin will be a very annoying phase. Mostly children and old people face it.
The tea tree oil has the linalool compound in it, which is a known remedy for the itchiness of skin. It will sooth the skin.
You need to apply the diluted tea tree oil on the affected area twice a day and wait for a few weeks.
To treat cuts and wounds
The immediate treatment for any cut, burn, or wound is clearing it with an antiseptic.
The tea tree oil already contains the anti-septic compounds, so to clean the infections, wounds, and cuts you can apply the tea tree oil. It will clear the bacteria and spores of fungus if any.
For hair
For acne
How Long It Will Take To Recover
Using the oil consistently will give you visible results. Depending on how severe your infection was, to begin with, it may take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months for your nails to heal completely.
After a few months, you will grow a new nail that is free from any fungal growth. However, it is advised to continue the tea tree oil treatment to ensure that the fungus does not return.
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Tips For Using Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can be immensely hard to cure. This insidious fungal infection can linger for years. And most people only make it worse by using ineffective over-the-counter medications.
If youve been stuck with toenail fungus for a while, tea tree oil can be very helpful. Our guide will show how to put this natural remedy to use.
What Should You Know About Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has become the mainstay of aromatherapy, cosmetics, and even household cleaning supplies. It comes from the leaves of Melaleuca Alternifolia tree, or Australian tea tree. Homeopathy uses tea tree oil as a topical remedy for skin conditions like toe fungus.
Tea tree oil is safe to use for adults, teenagers, and women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding. Certain limitations do apply, though, and you shouldnt use tea tree oil:
- Orally.
- On young children without a doctors approval.
- On sensitive areas of skin like mouth and eyes.
- In undiluted form.
- With that said, lets take a look at what makes tea tree oil a potent remedy. Tea tree oil contains a slew of active ingredients.
They include a-pinene, b-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, a-phellandrene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, terpinolene, terpinene-4-ol, a-terpineol, limonene, 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, and linalool.
These ingredients give tea tree oil its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus
What Makes You Prone to Getting Toenail Fungus?